Find the perfect Irish-made gift this Christmas at stunning new retail offering in the Shackleton Experience, Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the word dedicated to Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton

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  • Stockists include Ciara O’Keefe Ceramics, Tamzen Lundy Designs, John Hanley & Co., Kildare Candle Barn, Baressential Soap and merchandise from the Shackleton Experience

 

  • The Shackleton Experience is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 5pm

 

  • Visitors can also relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious treats at onsite café Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience led by Athy native Graham Herterich aka The Cupcake Bloke

 

The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the world dedicated to the extraordinary life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer who was born just outside Athy, has unveiled a stunning new retail offering just in time for the festive season, featuring beautifully crafted Irish-made gifts that will make the perfect present this Christmas.

 

The Shackleton Experience has reopened to the public following a €7.5 million redevelopment funded by Department of Rural Community and Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and Kildare County Council and has been totally transformed into a world-class visitor attraction that combines the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits.

 

The retail offering, which is open to the public and accessible without a ticket, showcases a curated selection of unique, Irish-made gifs perfect for Christmas gifting. Highlights include:

 

  • Ceramics and framed / unframed Shackleton quotes by Ciara O’Keefe Ceramics
  • Handcrafted felt woollen animals including penguins, robins and foxes and dream catchers from Tamzen Lundy Designs
  • Candles and diffusers from Kildare Candle Barn
  • Luxurious throws, scarves and ladies and men’s hats – all made and designed in Ireland from John Hanley & Co.
  • 100% natural soaps from Baressential Soap
  • A range of Shackleton merchandise including mugs, hoodies, books and stationery
  • Stationery and crafts for children

 

Visitors can also relax and unwind at the cosy onsite café, Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience, which is also open to the public. Led by Graham Herterich, also known as The Cupcake Bloke, the café serves delicious treats, homemade breads, gourmet toasties and, of course, Graham’s famous ‘Retro Biscuits’. Everything can be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the welcoming café space or taken away to savour on the go.

 

Those paying a visit to The Shackleton Experience itself can look forward to tracing Shackleton’s inspiring journey from his Kildare roots to the vast Polar ice caps, capturing the determination and leadership that defined his legacy. They can also explore in detail the three expeditions he led to the Antarctic, including the legendary Endurance expedition (1914–1917) where Shackleton managed to bring the entire crew home safely without the loss of a single life after their ship sank in a frozen sea hundreds of miles from civilisation.

 

Highlights include:

  • The actual cabin in which Ernest Shackleton died of a heart attack on the ship ‘Quest’ during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition in 1922
  • The sledge and harness used on the Nimrod Expedition
  • Replica models of the Endurance and Quest ships as well as the James Caird lifeboat that rescued the crew after the Endurance shipwreck
  • A deeply immersive experience that allows visitors join the crew of the Endurance as they make their remarkable escape from the ice-bound ship, with crashing waves and wind effects making the journey feel as real as possible
  • A reconstructed 1920’s cinema showcasing archival footage and historic clips of Shackleton’s various expeditions and activities, bringing his amazing story vividly to life

Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, says: “We’re delighted to launch our new retail offering just in time for the festive season. Championing Irish designers and locally crafted pieces is incredibly important to us at Shackleton Experience, and it’s a real privilege to celebrate their creativity here. With our welcoming café open to all, it’s a wonderful place to meet up, enjoy a treat, and make a day of your Christmas shopping.”

Located less than an hour from Dublin and served by regular trains from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare is easily accessible from surrounding counties including Carlow, Laois, and Kilkenny.

 

The Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts, culture and

history fans as well as adventure and endurance sports devotees

 

Visit shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience

Six titles in the running for prestigious overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year Award’ 2025

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  • Books by Manchán Magan and illustrator Megan Luddy, Roisín O’Donnell, Joseph O’Connor, Gráinne O’Brien, Andrew Porter and Sarah Corbett Lynch nominated for significant accolade

 

  • Winner will be revealed during one-hour television special on RTÉ One presented by Oliver Callan on Thursday, 11th December

 

Books by Manchán Magan and illustrator Megan Luddy, Roisín O’Donnell, Joseph O’Connor, Gráinne O’Brien, Andrew Porter and Sarah Corbett Lynch are in the running for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2025’.

 

The six titles competing for the overall An Post Irish Book of the Year Award were drawn from the category winners at the An Post Irish Book Awards, and were chosen on the principle of the highest number of votes secured during the shortlist voting process across all categories.

The six nominated titles are the category winners for the Eason Novel of the Year; Dubray Biography of the Year; The Last Word Listeners’ Choice Award; Eason Sports Book of the Year; International Education Services Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy; and TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year:

Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun) – Manchán Magan, illustrated by Megan Luddy (Gill Books)

  • Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun) is an illustrated book that uses Irish words to explore the rich, lost world of weather wisdom. Authored by Manchán Magan and illustrated by Megan Luddy, it features terms from historical cloud-watchers and stargazers who observed nature for signs of weather changes. It delves into a past wisdom that is still relevant today. 

 

Nesting – Roisín O’Donnell (Sribner Books from Simon & Schuster)

  • On an ordinary spring afternoon in Dublin, Ciara Fay makes a split-second decision that will change her life forever. Grabbing an armful of clothes from the washing line, she straps her two young daughters into the car and drives away. All she knows is that home is no longer safe. What begins as an escape soon turns into a battle for survival. With little money, no job, and her family across the sea, Ciara finds herself trapped in a broken housing system, forced to raise her children in a hotel room. As the seasons shift from summer to winter, she faces an impossible choice – rebuild her life from scratch or return to the husband who refuses to let her go.

 

The Ghosts of Rome – Joseph O’Connor (Harvill, Penguin)

  • In February 1944, six months after Nazi forces occupy Rome, Contessa Giovanna Landini works covertly with the Escape Line network known as “The Choir,” smuggling refugees and aiding Allied soldiers while evading the brutal oversight of Gestapo chief Paul Hauptmann. When a mysterious parachutist drops into the city during a fierce air raid and vanishes into Rome’s backstreets – uncertain whether he is friend or foe – his arrival threatens to expose the entire network. As Hauptmann’s unsettling fascination with the Contessa deepens, she becomes entangled in a perilous game of deception whose stakes could prove deadly for her and for The Choir.

 

Solo – Gráinne O’Brien (Little Island Books)

  • This novel in verse follows Daisy, a passionate classical musician whose first love is music and second was David, as she navigates the emotional fallout of a breakup, a best friend’s betrayal, and her father’s illness during her final year of school. Feeling sidelined at home by her twin brothers’ close bond and isolated at school, Daisy struggles to reconnect with the music that once anchored her. But when an unexpected new friendship enters her life, she slowly begins to rediscover her voice, her confidence, and the pieces of herself she feared were lost.

 

Heart on My Sleeve – Andrew Porter (Eriu)

  • From the heartbreak of losing his mother to breast cancer at just 12 years old, to battling mental health struggles throughout his teens, Andrew Porter’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience. In this deeply personal and inspiring account, the Irish rugby star opens up about the challenges that shaped him – on and off the pitch. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of his career, including earning 75 caps for Ireland, winning three Six Nations titles and becoming one of the sport’s most respected figures.

 

A Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing – Sarah Corbett Lynch (Hachette Books Ireland)

  • In the early hours of the 2nd August 2015, eight-year-old Sarah Corbett Lynch was carried from her bed by a police officer, unaware that her beloved father, Jason, had been killed by her stepmother Molly Martens and Molly’s father, Tom. In A Time for Truth, Sarah recounts for the first time the hidden reality of life inside their North Carolina household, revealing the manipulation and gaslighting she endured from the only mother she had known. She reflects on the traumatic aftermath of Jason’s death, as she and her brother Jack fought for justice while rebuilding their lives within the safety and love of their family’s home in Limerick. Her story is a powerful testament to devastation, resilience, and the enduring hope that carried her through against all odds.

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards says:

“Six exceptional titles have been shortlisted for the prestigious An Post Irish Book of the Year 2025. Each one showcases the very best of Irish writing, highlighting the creativity, depth, and talent that define Ireland’s dynamic literary landscape. This year’s finalists range from beautifully illustrated books and gripping fiction to powerful memoirs and outstanding teen and young adult works, reflecting the remarkable diversity of voices and stories that have captivated readers nationwide. I extend my warmest congratulations to all the nominees on this wonderful achievement and wish them every success.”

 

The overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2025’ winner will be decided by a distinguished panel of judges, chaired by a five-time Irish Book Awards winner.

 

The judging panel consists of:

  • Paul Howard, Judging Chair – An author, screenwriter, and newspaper columnist, he is best known as the creator of Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, whose exploits he has chronicled across 24 novels. Paul is also a former Sports Journalist of the Year and Newspaper Columnist of the Year. As a screenwriter, he contributed to the BAFTA-winning series Bad Sisters on Apple TV and has most recently written for The Young Offenders and the Irish-Canadian co-production Sisters

 

  • Madeleine Keane – Literary Editor of the Sunday Independent, lecturer at University College Dublin and the Irish Writers Centre. She is also Chair of Children’s Books Ireland

 

  • Cyril McGrane – A certified public accountant by profession, Cyril has worked with An Post for the last 27 years, holding a succession of senior roles in retail, operational and logistics management. Cyril is An Post’s key liaison lead with IPC and UPU and he is leading An Post’s Customs 2020 and Brexit programmes

 

  • Sinéad McCorry – With over 30 years’ experience in the book trade, Sinéad is the Retail Manager at Waterstones Ireland, where she has led the brand’s expansion to 12 shops and, more recently, oversaw the ambitious refurbishment of Ireland’s oldest bookshop, Hodges Figgis

 

  • Sara Keating – A reviewer of children’s books for The Irish Times and founder of the Baby Book Club at Dún Laoghaire Libraries – where she served as Writer in Residence at the DLR Lexicon in 2021

One of the six titles will be revealed as the ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2025’ during a one-hour television special on RTÉ One hosted by Oliver Callan on Thursday, 11th December at 10:15pm.

 

Since its inception, the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award has been won by a series of landmark titles which have gone on to become Christmas bestsellers and firm favourites with readers.

 

Previous winners of the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award include Donal Ryan for Heart, Be At Peace, Paul Murray for The Bee Sting, Sally Hayden for My Fourth Time, We Drowned, Fintan O’Toole for We Don’t Know Ourselves, Doireann Ní Ghríofa for A Ghost in the Throat, the late Vicky Phelan for Overcoming, Emilie Pine for Notes to Self, John Crowley, Donal Ó Drisceoil, Mike Murphy and John Borgonovo for Atlas of the Irish Revolution, Mike McCormack for Solar Bones, Louise O’Neill for Asking For It, Mary Costello for Academy St, Donal Ryan for The Spinning Heart, Michael Harding for Staring at Lakes, and Belinda McKeon for Solace.

 

Tune into RTÉ One at 10:15pm on Thursday 11th December to find out who wins the

An Post Irish Book of the Year Award 2025

 

Celebrating its 20th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards continue to champion and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2025 is no different.

 

The 2025 winners, outlined below, were announced last month:

 

TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

  • Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun) – Manchán Magan, illustrated by Megan Luddy (Gill Books)

 

Irish Book Week Non-Fiction Book of the Year

  • Deadly Silence: A Sister’s Battle to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of Clodagh and Her Sons by Alan Hawe – Jacqueline Connolly with Kathryn Rogers (Hachette Books Ireland)

 

Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year

  • Sophie’s Swaps – Sophie Morris (Gill Books)

 

Eason Sports Book of the Year

  • Heart on My Sleeve – Andrew Porter (Eriu)

 

Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year

  • Great Irish Wives – Nicola Pierce (The O’Brien Press)

 

Dubray Biography of the Year

  • A Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing – Sarah Corbett Lynch (Hachette Books Ireland)

 

The Last Word Listeners’ Choice Award

  • The Ghosts of Rome – Joseph O’Connor (Harvill, Penguin)

 

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior

  • Run Home, Little Fox – Tom McCaughren and Erika McGann, illustrated by Shannon Bergin

(The O’Brien Press)

 

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior

  • Animalopedia – Kathi and John Burke (Gill Books)

 

International Education Services Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy

  • Solo – Gráinne O’Brien (Little Island Books)

 

Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na Bliana

  • Bódléar – Darach Ó Scolaí (Leabhar Breac)

 

New Irish Writing Best Short Story in association with the Irish Independent

  • All the Birch Trees Were Waving – Pádhraic Quinn

 

New Irish Writing Best Poetry in association with the Irish Independent

  • ‘There’s never a crowd at the poetry section’ – Vincent Barton

 

Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year

  • Show Me Where It Hurts – Claire Gleeson (Sceptre, Hachette)

 

WHSmith Popular Fiction Book of the Year in association with Ireland AM

  • Paper Heart – Cecelia Ahern (Harper Fiction, HaperCollins)

 

The Book Centre Crime Fiction Book of the Year in association with The Irish Independent

  • It Should Have Been You – Andrea Mara (Bantam, Transworld)

 

Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year

  • Elaine Feeney

 

Eason Novel of the Year

  • Nesting – Roisín O’Donnell (Scribner Bools from Simon & Schuster)

 

An Post Bookshop of the Year

  • Chapters Bookstore, Dublin 1

 

For further information, please visit to the An Post Irish Book Awards website

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

“Pause before you post” – Core launch international campaign highlighting the potential harms of ‘sharenting’ on behalf of the Data Protection Commission

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Core is proud to have developed a dramatic new campaign “Pause before you Post” on behalf of the Data Protection Commission.

Highlighting the potential harms of ‘sharenting’ (the practice of parents sharing extensive information, images, and videos of their children on social media). This campaign will run across Cinema, TV, AV and Social, aiming to reach all parents of children under 18, with a compelling message about child safety.

The ad, originally filmed in Irish, was dubbed into French for Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés, the French Data Protection Authority.

Creative Director Mark Tuthill says:

“Every day, proud parents post pictures of their children on social media, oblivious to the inherent dangers. This work is a first step in highlighting the associated risks that come from strangers knowing your child’s name, as well as their date of birth and more. 

It’s been a wonderful partnership with the team at the Data Protection Commission, working closely together to craft a campaign with a tone that is grounded in the real world and designed to feel more like TV drama than advertising. After all, there’s nothing more dramatic and unsettling that knowing your child’s image and personal data is being exploited by strangers.”

 

Jennifer Dolan, Deputy Commissioner, Head of Children’s Policy, Inter-Regulatory Affairs, and ePrivacy Prosecutions, says:

“The simple act of parents sharing personal information, photos, or videos of their children online (“sharenting”) can unintentionally create a digital footprint, which can lead to serious risks.

 “This campaign aims to raise awareness of how easily a child’s identity can be pieced together from the personal data that their parents share online — from names and ages to images, voice recordings, and everyday moments, often without realising the long-term consequences.”

 “It was truly a pleasure to work with Spark Foundry and their incredible team throughout this project. From our very first meeting, there was a true meeting of the minds, and that strong collaboration carried throughout every stage of the work.”

 

Credits

 

Advertiser: Data Protection Commission

Agency: Core Creative/Spark Foundry

Campaign title: Pause before you Post

Creative Directors: Mark Tuthill

Art Director: Udi Ovadia / Helena Jones

Copywriter: Mark Tuthill

Business Director: Jo Mullins

Senior Client Manager: Anthony Hughes

Agency Producers : Andrew Counihan / Aisling O’Dwyer

Managing Director: Dave Griffin

Production Company: Sweet Media

Directors: John Hayes

Producers: Andy Bradford

DOP: James Mather

Editor: Lee Hickey

Colourist: Gary Curran

Sound Design & Mix: Will Farrell (Blast Audio)

Post Production : Outer Limits / Eoghan Reidy

 

Former President Michael D. Higgins to be honoured with the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025

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  • Michael D. Higgins has published a significant body of literary works including five poetry collections and several collections of essays and speeches on arts and politics

 

  • Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Michael D. Higgins at the annual An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony in Dublin on 27th November

 

  • Michael D. Higgins joins a host of distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award recipients including Martin Waddell, Professor Roy Foster, Anne Enright, Sebastian Barry, Maeve Binchy, Colm Tóibín, Eavan Boland, Edna O’Brien and Seamus Heaney

 

The An Post Irish Book Awards is delighted to announce that former President, Michael D. Higgins, is the recipient of this year’s ‘Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award’. The award will be presented on the 27th November at the 2025 Awards Ceremony in The Convention Centre, Dublin.

 

As the 2025 Lifetime Achievement honouree, Michael D. Higgins will join a host of other distinguished recipients including Sebastian Barry, Colm Tóibín, Thomas Kinsella, Eavan Boland, John Montague JP Donleavy, Paul Durcan, John Banville, Maeve Binchy, John McGahern, Edna O’Brien, William Trevor, Seamus Heaney, Anne Enright and Professor Roy Foster. All previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award can be found at https://www.irishbookawards.ie/history/hall-of-fame/

 

Michael D. Higgins has had a profound impact on Irish art and culture, both as a public figure and as an artist in his own right. Throughout his distinguished career, his influence has spanned the full cultural spectrum – from literature and visual arts to film, music, and public cultural policy.

An accomplished writer, Michael D. Higgins has published five poetry collections, including Against All Certainty (2025), which was published in September in conjunction with his spoken word album of the same name in collaboration with musician Myles O’Reilly, New and Selected Poems (2011), An Arid Season (2004), The Season of Fire (1993) and The Betrayal (1990), along with several acclaimed volumes of essays such as Causes for Concern – Irish Politics, Culture and Society (2006), Renewing the Republic (2011), When Ideas Matter: Speeches for an Ethical Republic (2016) and Reclaiming the European Street (2021).

These works reflect his lifelong commitment to creativity, social justice, and human rights. From 1983 to 1993, Higgins also contributed a fortnightly column to Hot Press, Ireland’s leading music and politics magazine, where he wrote passionately on issues including apartheid, U.S. foreign policy, and Irish social reform. A book bringing together a collection of these columns, Power to the People: The Hot Press Years (2024), was published last year.

Higgins has also published three collections of speeches from the period covered by the Decade of Commemorations – 1916 Centenary Commemorations and Celebrations: Speeches by President Michael D. Higgins (2018) and Machnamh 100: Centenary Reflections volume 1 (2021) and volume 2 (2023).

A visionary policymaker, Higgins has reshaped Ireland’s cultural landscape through landmark achievements including the reestablishment of the Irish Film Board, the founding of Teilifís na Gaeilge (now TG4), the establishment of a rich network of local arts and cultural venues which brought a crucial access to citizens across Ireland and his leadership in promoting support for cultural institutions and artists across Europe. Having presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Seamus Heaney in 2011, Michael D. Higgins will now be honoured in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Irish cultural life.

In conferring the award, the Board of the Irish Book Awards stated:

“Both politically and personally, Michael D. Higgins has exerted a profound and lasting influence on Irish art and culture. His stalwart championing of Irish writers has been a particular source of inspiration to many who have participated in the An Post Irish Book Awards over the years and Irish creatives in general have felt a real sense of comfort in having a poet in The Áras.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Higgins has combined his creative vision with courageous public engagement. From his columns in Hot Press addressing pressing social and political issues, to his landmark cultural policies, he has consistently championed the arts and strengthened Ireland’s cultural institutions. His commitment to human rights, social justice, and the nurturing of Irish creativity has left an indelible mark on our nation.

Having presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Seamus Heaney in 2011, it is a particularly fitting moment that we now confer this honour upon Higgins himself. The Board of the An Post Irish Book Awards is proud to recognise his outstanding contribution to Irish cultural life, and we look forward to celebrating his achievements at the 2025 Awards ceremony at the Convention Centre Dublin on 27 November.”

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

“Michael D. Higgins has consistently demonstrated the power of culture to connect, challenge, and inspire society. Through his engagement with the arts and his unwavering support for creative voices across Ireland, he has nurtured an environment where ideas, imagination, and expression can thrive. His leadership has ensured that the arts remain a central part of national life, valued not only for their beauty but for their capacity to shape how we see the world.

The An Post Irish Book Awards is proud to honour Michael D. Higgins with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising a lifetime devoted to fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and artistic excellence. This award celebrates a figure whose vision, commitment, and advocacy have left an enduring imprint on Irish cultural life, and whose influence will continue to inspire generations of writers, artists, and audiences alike.”

Celebrating its 20th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards continue to champion and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent. The winners will be announced on 27th November 2025.

 

Other categories include:

  • Eason Novel of the Year
  • TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year
  • Dubray Biography of the Year
  • Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year
  • Irish Book Week Non-Fiction Book of the Year
  • Eason Novel of the Year
  • Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year
  • Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year
  • Eason Sports Book of the Year
  • Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na Bliana
  • Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior
  • Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior
  • International Education Services Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy
  • The Book Centre Crime Fiction Book of the Year in association with the Irish Independent
  • Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year
  • WHSmith Popular Fiction Book of the Year in association with Ireland AM
  • The Last Word Listeners’ Choice Award
  • New Irish Writing Best Short Story in association with the Irish Independent
  • New Irish Writing Best Poetry in association with the Irish Independent
  • An Post Bookshop of the Year

A one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTÉ One on 11th December, giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2025’, culminating in the reveal of this year’s overall winner.

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

 

Instagram:       @irishbookawards

TikTok:             @irishbookawards

Bluesky:          @irishbookawards.bsky.social

X:                     @irishbookaward

Facebook:        IrishBookAwards

Advertising Standards Authority Releases Latest Complaints Bulletin

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ASA’s Independent Complaints Council has upheld nine cases in full and one case in part in its latest complaints bulletin. Advertisements across Online, Social Media, In-Store Advertising and Print were found to be in breach of the ASA Code. The Complaints Council chose to not uphold three complaints.

 

Upheld cases include misleading offer terms from An Post, misleading green claims from Rathwood, and irresponsible AI created content from Molloy’s Liquor Stores.

 

Cases were upheld against:

  • An Post
  • HelloFresh and @twins_and_me_
  • Lidl
  • Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company / Newspapers.com
  • Bord na Móna
  • AJ Sells LTD – Smile Therapy
  • Kingsbury Furniture and @dominiquenugent89
  • Verisure Arlo Europe (upheld in part)
  • Molloy’s Liquor StoresRathwood

 

Commenting on the latest Advertising Standards Authority rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said:

“ASA’s mission is to protect consumers from advertising that is harmful, misleading, or offensive. Our latest complaints bulletin showcases the wide-ranging ways we uphold honesty, transparency, and integrity across Ireland’s advertising landscape.

While ensuring compliance with the Code remains central to our work, we also focus on promoting its principles across the industry. This includes not only addressing non-compliant ads, but also proactively educating both consumers and brands. Through these initiatives, we strive to build greater trust in advertising for all.

Additionally, to assist advertisers, we offer a free and confidential copy advice service, guiding them in creating responsible and compliant advertisements. This service provides invaluable guidance for advertisers, agencies and media that carry advertisements who may have questions or concerns about the compliance of marketing communications. We encourage anyone in the industry to take advantage of this resource to ensure their advertising is both responsible and effective.”

Below is a list of 10 advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code:

 

Advertiser An Post
Medium Brochure
Status Upheld
Category Misleading
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/telecommunications-100/
Description
 A brochure for An Post Mobile promoted its prepaid mobile plans. The complainant considered the advertising misleading as it did not stipulate that the advertised prices were only available to new customers and not existing ones.

 

Advertiser HelloFresh and twins_and_me_
Medium Online (Influencer’s Social Media)
Status Upheld
Category Disclosure
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/food-16/
Description
 An Instagram story posted to the influencers account featured the contents of a HelloFresh box and the meal being prepared alongside a discount code. The advertisers’ handle, which was underlined, and the word ‘AD’ were both on the top right hand corner of the screen in white text.

 

The complainant did not consider that the content had been correctly disclosed as a marketing communication as the word ‘Ad’ did not have a hashtag and was in white font meaning it was not clearly visible.

 

Advertiser Lidl
Medium Advertiser’s own website, brochure and in-store advertising
Status Upheld
Category Misleading
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-49/
Description
Lidl advertised metal shelving in various formats – on its website, in a brochure, and through in-store point-of-sale (POS) materials.

  • Website: Listed the shelving with the statement “Offer only available on Lidl Plus. Save €5”
  • Brochure: Stated “14th–20th Nov Offer only available on Lidl Plus” and displayed “Save €5 / €19.99 €14.99 / Lidl Plus”
  • POS Material: Displayed “Save €5 Lidl Plus” alongside the regular (€19.99) and Lidl Plus (€14.99) prices

The complainant considered the advertising misleading as it did not specify that the €5 discount was limited to one item per customer. The complainant purchased four shelving units expecting a €20 total discount but only received €5 off one unit. They argued that the limitation on the discount was not clearly disclosed in any of the promotional materials.

 

Advertiser Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company trading as Newspapers.com
Medium Online (Company’s Own Website)
Status Upheld
Category Misleading / VAT
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/publishing-4/
Description
The advertisement featured on a page on the advertiser’s own website promoting their newspapers and publications collections subscription.

The ad featured two offers with various prices listed excluding tax.

The complainant queried whether the price should be inclusive of VAT.

 

Advertiser Bord na Móna
Medium Online (Advertiser’s Own Website)
Status Upheld
Category Misleading
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-50/
Description
The advertisement invited users to check whether the company’s waste collection service was available in their area. It prompted users to “Enter your full address or Eircode below to learn more about services in your area.”

The complainant considered the advertisement misleading, as when they entered their Eircode, they were informed that the service was available. However, when the delivery of bins was attempted, it was found that the address was actually outside the service area, and the advertised service could not be provided.

 

Advertiser AJ Sells LTD – Smile Therapy
Medium Online (Company’s Own Website)
Status Upheld
Category Misleading / Substantiation
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-91/
Description
An advertisement for an ‘Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner’ featured a slideshow making multiple claims about the product’s effectiveness. It stated that the device could “solve” issues such as gum disease, bacteria growth, plaque build-up, hardened stains, tooth decay, cavities, yellowing teeth, and increased sensitivity.

Another slide showed the product alongside claims such as “Professional-level results from home” and “Deep cleaning action reaches every corner.” A further slide stated “Professional Cleaning At Home.”

The complainant objected to the advertising on the grounds that the claims were misleading and potentially harmful as they could not be substantiated. The complainant expressed concern that consumers might be dissuaded from seeking professional dental care, believing that the device could treat or prevent serious dental conditions such as decay and gum disease.

 

Advertiser Kingsbury Furniture and @dominiquenugent89
Medium Online (Influencer’s Social Media Account)
Status Upheld
Category Disclosure
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-51/
Description
An Instagram story posted on the influencer’s account featured a picture of a sideboard, with the advertiser’s handle, @kingsburyfurniture, superimposed in the bottom right corner of the image.

The complainant considered the post to be in breach of the Code, as it had not been clearly identified as advertising material. They noted the absence of a primary disclosure label such as #Ad, which would indicate that the post was a marketing communication.

 

Advertiser Arlo Verisure
Medium Online (Influencer’s Own Social Media)
Status Upheld (Issue 5)
Category Misleading / Substantiation / Comparative Claim
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-52/
Description
A Facebook post promoting the Arlo Ultra 2 featured the statements “Save 20% on Ultra 2 multi-cam and get a FREE Video Doorbell kit with ULTRA20” and “The First. Still The Best. Unmatched 4K security, 10 years in the making. Save 20% Code ULTRA20.” The advertisement also claimed  “10 years of Perfecting Home Security.”

 

The complainant objected to the advertisement on the following grounds:

 

Issue 1:

The advertised 20% discount code (ULTRA20) did not work when they attempted to use it.

Issue 2:

The phrase “10 years of perfecting home security” implied that the product constituted a full security system capable of protecting property, whereas the complainant considered it to be comparable to CCTV equipment only.

Issue 3:

The same claim was also considered misleading because the advertiser’s security products were only introduced between 2020 and 2023, not over a 10-year period as suggested.

Issue 4:

The claim “4K Security” was considered misleading as recordings in 4K quality were only available via a paid subscription, a limitation not disclosed in the ad.

Issue 5:

The complainant argued that the term “Unmatched” in “Unmatched 4K Security” was inaccurate, as other comparable 4K systems were available on the market.

Issue 6:

The word “perfecting” was seen as implying the system was flawless, which the complainant disputed based on their own negative experience with the product.

 

Advertiser Molloy’s Liquor Stores
Medium Online (Company’s Own Website)
Status Upheld
Category Alcohol / Safety / Responsibility
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/alcohol-42/
Description
An advertisement describing Buckfast Tonic Wine in a humorous and exaggerated tone included claims such as “Are you tired of regular old wine that just gets you tipsy? Do you want a wine that packs a punch and leaves you feeling like a superhero?” and stating that it would leave consumers “feeling like [they’re] on top of the world.”

The description included fictitious customer testimonials referring to drinking Buckfast before job interviews, weddings, and family gatherings, with one suggesting it was suitable for events such as funerals.

The complainant considered the advertisement irresponsible in its portrayal of alcohol consumption. They believed it breached Code section 9.5(a) by implying that alcohol could improve physical performance, personal qualities, or capabilities. They also cited a potential breach of Code section 9.5(e), arguing that references to drinking at funerals and relying on alcohol to “get through” family gatherings were inappropriate and failed to promote pro-social behaviour.

 

Advertiser Rathwood
Medium Online (Website and Social Media)
Status Upheld
Category Misleading / Substantiation / Environmental Claims
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-53/
Description
Advertisements for various firewood products on the advertiser’s website and Instagram account included multiple environmental and performance-related claims including “Eco-friendly choice”, “carbon neutral” and “smokeless fuel” .

The complainant objected to the claims that the products were “smokeless”, “clean burning”, “carbon neutral” and “eco-friendly” on the grounds that the claims were misleading and had made environmental statements about the properties of the products, implying that burning of the products was harmless and made no contribution to air pollution or climate change.

 

Below is a list of 3 advertisements that have been found to not be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code:

 

Advertiser Tony Bet
Medium Online (Third Parry)
Status Not Upheld
Category N/A
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-43/
Description
A sponsored advertisement on YouTube featured a personality standing beside a horse. The video showed the man attempting to mount the horse, saying: “Is this really necessary? Let’s just show our horse themed games. This is Tony Bet and we’re here to play.”

The complainant objected to the placement of the advertisement, as it appeared during video game review content that they believed was primarily viewed by children.

 

Advertiser Skill On Net – Ojo Casino
Medium Online (Third Parry)
Status Not Upheld
Category N/A
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-44/
Description
A video advertisement on YouTube featured a man in what appeared to be a garage waiting area. After hearing a car key beep, he opened the Play Ojo app, with a voiceover stating: “sounds like Ojo time.” Various costumed figures then appeared, and a close-up showed the man playing a “Money Stacks” casino game.

The complainant objected to the placement of the advertisement, as it appeared during video game review content that they believed was primarily viewed by children.

 

Advertiser Cairn Homes
Medium Outdoor and Online
Status Not Upheld
Category N/A
Link https://adstandards.ie/complaint/property-20/
Description
A bus shelter ad and website for ‘The View Douglas’ promoted apartment living in the “heart of Douglas” inviting people to register interest.

Issue 1:

The complainant considered the claim that the development was in the “heart” of Douglas was misleading as it was at least half an hour walk from Douglas Village Shopping Centre.

Issue 2

The complainant said the development was located in Castletreasure and the full address of the development was not included in the advertisement.

 

The Advertising Standards Authority conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The Advertising Standards Authority Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Council’s adjudications.

 

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X                      @AdStandardsIRE

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

Roy Keane stars in Sky Mobile’s festive ‘Expect More’ campaign created by Core

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Following the success of Sky Mobile’s ‘Expect More’ platform launched in 2024, Sky Mobile is continuing to deliver on its promise to give customers more this Christmas. The new festive campaign, created by Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company, once again features Roy Keane, whose famously high expectations are put to the ultimate test during the season of giving.

In a world where many offer less for more at Christmas, Sky Mobile is taking a different approach, offering great deals on the latest handsets alongside fair and flexible mobile plans for customers.

Created by Core Creative, and managed by Starcom, part of Core, the campaign continues to celebrate the humour and honesty that made the original ‘Expect More’ campaign so successful, with Keane’s no-nonsense character perfectly highlighting Sky’s commitment to doing things differently.

Caroline Donnellan, Director of Marketing & Brand at Sky & NOW, said:

“Christmas is the perfect time to build on the success of our ‘Expect More’ campaign. This season can test even the highest expectations, and who better to reintroduce than Roy Keane to bring that to life? At Sky, we believe our mobile customers deserve more value, fairness, and flexibility – and this campaign captures that spirit perfectly.”

Kate O’Callaghan, Business Director at Core Creative, added:

“The ‘Expect More’ platform has been a powerful creative platform for Sky Mobile, allowing us to show that when others give you less, Sky gives you more. This latest chapter extends that story into Christmas, a time when value really matters. The work brings a fresh, festive energy to the brand while staying true to its core message.”

Rob Murray, Creative Partner at Core Creative, commented:

“It would have been easy to paint Roy as a kind of Scrooge character, but the truth is, he genuinely loves Christmas. If anything, his famously high expectations are even higher this time of year. So we had a lot of fun putting Roy in situations where they aren’t being met, and contrasting them with Sky Mobile’s brilliant offers and their promise to deliver more when it counts.”

The Christmas campaign will run across TV, social, digital, and outdoor channels, reinforcing Sky Mobile’s commitment to providing Irish consumers with a mobile experience they can truly expect more from.

More than half of Irish consumers look up influencers’ posts before engaging in personal shopping – new research from the Advertising Standards Authority

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  • Almost half (49%) of those under the age of 35 look up influencers’ posts before making personal shopping decisions 

 

  • Nearly one in five people (19%) say they trust online advertising more than TV, radio, print or outdoor advertising – this is a significant increase compared to 2022 – when fewer than one in ten (9%) felt the same

 

  • When promoted, social media users are most familiar with the advertising label #ad (63%) – an increase from 46% in 2022

 

  • Over half (54%) of Irish consumers say influencers who misrepresent real life are their biggest annoyance

 

More than half of Irish consumers (58%) check influencers’ posts before making personal shopping decisions – and of these, almost one in three (29%) do so at least once a week, according to new research from the Advertising Standards Authority, the independent advertising self-regulatory body responsible for promoting, regulating and enforcing the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland.

 

Research by the Advertising Standards Authority also found that nearly one in five people (19%) now trust online advertising more than TV, radio, print, or outdoor advertising. This marks a significant increase since 2022, when fewer than one in ten (9%) said they placed greater trust in online advertising. Nearly one in four (23%) also say they trust influencers’ posts more than advertisements from the brand themselves.

 

When prompted, more than six in ten social media users (63%) say they are familiar with the label #ad – a significant increase from 2022, when just under half (46%) recognised it. Women and those under 45 remain more likely to recognise hashtags used to signal advertising content.

 

In 2022, nearly seven in ten people (67%) said they were most bothered by influencers editing their photos; however, this figure has since dropped to just under four in ten (39%). Today, Irish consumers are most irritated by influencers who misrepresent real life, with more than half (54%) saying that inauthentic content is their biggest annoyance.

Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, says: “Our latest research highlights just how influential online content creators have become in shaping consumer behaviour. More than half of Irish consumers now check influencers’ posts before making personal shopping decisions, and younger audiences, particularly those under 35, are particularly engaged. At the same time, trust in online advertising is growing rapidly, and awareness of advertising labels like #ad is improving, reflecting a more informed and aware audience.

While this presents exciting opportunities for brands and creators, it also underscores the importance of authenticity and transparency across the industry. Over half of consumers say that influencers who misrepresent real life are their biggest annoyance. At the Advertising Standards Authority, we are committed to promoting honest and trustworthy advertising and we will continue to support consumers, influencers and brands to navigate this evolving digital landscape with confidence and trust.”

This research was revealed at a webinar hosted by the Advertising Standards Authority called ‘The Business of Influencing’ which explored the professional and regulatory aspects of content creation, including tax reporting requirements for influencers – particularly around gifts and non-monetary compensation – as well as strategies for building a personal brand and effectively collaborating with companies and brands.

 

Joining Orla Twomey, ASA, for a panel discussion, hosted by Breda Brown, Co-Founder and Communications Director at Unique Media, were Justin Walsh, Principal Officer, Revenue Commissioners, and Sarah Jane Staunton, Campaign and Social Media Manager, The Collaborations Agency.

 

  • Justin outlined the tax reporting requirements for Irish influencers and content creators, highlighting what they need to know to stay compliant. He explained that non-monetary benefits, such as free holiday stays, make-up products received in exchange for tagging brands, free branded clothing, and the use of cars provided for promotional purposes, are all considered taxable income.
  • Sarah Jane discussed how influencers and content creators can break into an increasingly competitive industry and why building a trustworthy personal brand is essential. She highlighted the growing importance of authenticity, the shift in brand values in recent years, and the fact that engagement rate and reach now matter more than follower count did in the past.

To recording of the webinar can be viewed here https://adstandards.ie/the-business-of-influencing/

 

This new research follows a series of strategic partnerships with key state agencies and other regulators, aimed at further strengthening the Advertising Standards Authority’s role as a leading voice of authority, trust, and influence within the advertising industry.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X                      @AdStandardsIRE

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

The Sunday Times to host ‘An Evening with Pandora Sykes’ in partnership with Brown Thomas

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  • An exclusive evening with the podcaster, author and journalist Pandora Sykes, in conversation with Sunday Times arts columnist Aoife Barry

 

  • Event will take place on Wednesday, 3rd December at 6:30pm in The Banking Hall at the College Green Hotel

 

 

 

Join The Sunday Times, Ireland’s leading quality Sunday news brand, for an exclusive evening of style, culture and conversation as acclaimed journalist and podcaster Pandora Sykes sits down with Sunday Times arts columnist Aoife Barry on Wednesday, 3rd December at 6:30pm in The Banking Hall at The College Green Hotel, Dublin.

 

Former editor and columnist at The Sunday Times Style magazine, Pandora Sykes has written for a number of publications including ELLE, Vogue, and Grazia. She is the author of the bestselling essay collection ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?’, and co-created the hit women’s culture podcast ‘The High Low’.

Guests will enjoy a Boatyard martini reception on arrival and a luxury goodie bag on departure. Additionally, Michelle Curtin, Head of Personal Shopping at Brown Thomas, will present ‘The Well-Dressed Workshop’, sharing expert styling tips for party season dressing.

Elaine Prendeville, Features Editor of Sunday Times, says: “We are delighted to host an evening discussing creativity and culture with one of the UK’s most influential voices, Pandora Sykes. This event reflects The Sunday Times’ ongoing commitment to bring our readers closer to the people shaping today’s cultural landscape.”

Tickets are €50 and are redeemable at Brown Thomas (Terms and Conditions apply). They can be purchased at https://brownthomas.eventbrite.ie/

 

You can follow The Sunday Times Ireland on Instagram @sundaytimesireland, Facebook

 

@thesundaytimesIE and LinkedIn @The Sunday Times Ireland

 

Image Supply Systems Ireland A. V. Limited, one of Ireland’s leading audio visual solutions and services providers, acquired by Econocom Group

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  • ISSAV’s annual turnover projected to significantly increase from €10m to €40-50m over five years, with client service offering and geographical reach to expand
  • 60 new roles to be created at ISSAV, tripling employee numbers from 30 to 90

 

 

Image Supply Systems A. V. Limited (ISSAV), a leading Dublin-based provider of professional audio visual solutions and services, has been acquired by the Econocom Group, a European leader in digital transformation with operations in 16 countries and 8,450 employees.

ISSAV, established 30 years ago, specialises in the installation and maintenance of audio visual, video conferencing and digital equipment for clients across the commercial, government, healthcare and education sectors. Headquartered in Dundrum, the company has built long-standing relationships with leading Irish and international organisations including Avolon, KPMG, Glanbia, Three, AerCap, Enterprise Ireland, Vodafone, RCSI, and Uniphar.

The Econocom Group, founded 50 years ago, has been a pioneer in supporting businesses with their digital transformation. Econocom supplies, finances and provides managed services for workplace, audiovisual and infrastructures. This includes equipment purchasing, configuration and customization, maintenance and repair, refurbishment, and end-user support. Econocom achieved €2.744 billion in revenue in 2024. The Group is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the Tech Leaders, Bel Small, and Family Business indices.

With Econocom as a majority shareholder, ISSAV’s annual turnover is projected to significantly increase over the next five years, from €10 million to €40-50 million, with client service offering and geographical reach expanding, and employee numbers tripling from 30 to 90. The partnership will also facilitate collaboration with other members of the Econocom Group on larger, more diverse and multi-country opportunities. ISSAV will continue to be led by an extremely experienced local management team.

By combining local expertise with the scale and resources of a European technology leader, ISSAV’s portfolio will incorporate services across Econocom’s four key pillars:

  • Workplace: Providing end-to-end solutions for employee productivity, including device management and workplace transformation.
  • Infrastructure: Delivering robust, scalable IT infrastructure to support organisations in their digital transformation journeys.
  • Audio Visual: Designing and implementing state-of-the-art AV solutions for diverse business needs, from corporate environments to creative industries.
  • Finance: Offering customised finance solutions, including Device as a Service (DaaS) and tailored financial models, to optimise IT investments.

Brendan Nourse, Managing Director of ISSAV, said: “Joining Econocom marks an exciting new chapter for Image Supply Systems Ireland A. V. Limited. This partnership allows us to expand our capabilities throughout Ireland and into Europe while continuing to deliver the same high-quality AV solutions our clients know us for. It also opens the door to new opportunities across Europe, giving us access to greater resources, a wider client base, and the support of a global digital transformation leader. We’re particularly excited to be growing our team – tripling our workforce over the next five years – to meet increased demand and deliver more for our clients in Ireland and across Europe.”

The acquisition of ISSAV was part of Econocom’s €225 million Schuldschein-backed investment programme, which aims to consolidate fragmented national AV markets, broaden sector reach, and accelerate the One Econocom transformation plan.

Israel Garcia, Managing Director of Business Development & Strategic Plan and Country Manager UK & Ireland at Econocom, said: “The addition of ISSAV to the Econocom Group is an important strategic step to strengthen our position as Europe’s audiovisual leader. Ireland is an innovative and fast-growing market, and ISSAV’s expertise perfectly complements our capabilities to offer a local service backed by the scale and resources of a European leader. Together, we will accelerate the delivery of next-generation AV solutions that enhance collaboration, creativity, and connection for our clients within Ireland.”

 

Following Econocom’s recent Global Audiovisual conference in Marbella – which marked a major step in strengthening the Group’s AV leadership across Europe – ISSAV now looks forward to hosting its own milestone event at Trinity College Dublin on 21st October, marking the beginning of a new chapter for audio visual innovation in Ireland under the banner of ‘One Future’.

 

www.imagesupplysystemsav.com

LinkedIn: @ImageSupplySystems

www.econocom.com

LinkedIn: @Econocom

 

The Shackleton Experience, Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, hosts 25th Shackleton Autumn School

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The Shackleton Autumn School celebrates the importance of the polar regions, exploration and Kildare born Ernest Shackleton through a series of lectures, educational workshops, panel discussions, arts, and drama installations

 

  • Taking place from Friday, 24th October – Sunday, 26th October in locations across Athy including the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience

 

  • Special guests include Carly Eck, Vice President and Brand Curator at Burberry who will discuss the clothing brands surprising role in polar exploration, Paul Clammer, travel writer, Mark Richards, figure and portrait sculptor, Dr. Emma Puranen, polar researcher and many more

 

The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the world dedicated to the extraordinary life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer who was born just outside Athy, is hosting the 25th Shackleton  Autumn School this Friday, 24th October – Sunday, 26th October.

 

The weekend promises to be jam packed with engaging events including thought-provoking presentations, lively panel discussions, polar themed crafts, and an inspiring series of talks. Topics will range from deep-ocean exploration and the life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton, to Burberry’s surprising role in polar expeditions, the pressing challenges of climate change, and first-hand accounts from modern explorers who have journeyed to Antarctica.

 

The programme of events will take place in a range of locations across Athy and Shackleton Autumn School ticket holders will also have free access to visit the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience throughout the weekend.

 

The Shackleton Experience, housed in Athy’s 300-year-old Town Hall on Emily Square, has been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction following a €7.5 million investment from Kildare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The venue combines the world’s largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits.

 

The 25th Shackleton Autumn School will feature a number of expert talks from special guests including (in alphabetical order by surname):

 

  • Anders Bache, Archaeologist and Curator
  • Paul Clammer, Travel Writer and Editor
  • Carly Eck, Vice President and Curator of Brand, Archive and Heritage at Burberry
  • Rory Golden, Diver, Explorer and Public Speaker
  • Anne Hofer, Undergraduate Student of Archaeology and Folklore at UCD
  • Holger Köthe, descendant of the great German explorer, Erich Von Drygalski
  • Dr. Emma Johanna Puranen, Polar Researcher
  • Mark Richards, Sculptor specialising in fine figurative work
  • Allegra Rosenberg, Writer and Editor based in New York City
  • Rob Stephenson, Founder of the Antarctic Circle, an informal international group of scholars and knowledgeable amateurs interested or involved with non-specific Antarctic studies
  • John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor at Maynooth University
  • Josh Taplin, Multidisciplinary artist from Kent
  • Fabiënne Tetteroo, BA in Art History and MA in Naval History
  • Marv White, Museum-orientated Digital Communications Specialist

Now in its 25th year, The Shackleton Autumn School brings together historians, polar enthusiasts, Shackleton admirers, scientists and explorers of all ages and expertise from around the world for a unique weekend of celebration, discovery and adventure. Tickets are on sale now for a limited time and are available here – https://shackletonmuseum.com/shop/autumn-school-tickets/

 

Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 25th year of the Shackleton Autumn School, especially as it coincides with the opening of the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience. This year’s programme brings together leading voices from across the world to share insights, stories, and inspiration. It’s not just about celebrating Shackleton’s legacy, but about sparking new conversations around exploration, science, and the challenges of our time, including climate change. We look forward to welcoming visitors both local and international to Athy for what promises to be a truly memorable weekend.”

 

Born in Kilkea, just outside Athy in 1874, Ernest Shackleton’s extraordinary story is brought to life at the Shackleton Experience through dramatic digital storytelling, sensory effects and recreated environments that offer visitors the chance to step into his world.

 

Visitors can look forward to seeing over 200 incredible artefacts including the actual cabin where Ernest Shackleton died of a heart attack on the ship ‘Quest’ during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition in 1922.

 

The Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts, culture and

history fans, leadership experts as well as adventure and endurance sports devotees

Located less than an hour from Dublin and served by regular trains from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare is easily accessible from surrounding counties including Carlow, Laois, and Kilkenny.

Visit shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience

 

To keep up to date with the Shackleton Experience, follow:

Instagram        @ShackletonExperienceAthy             

Facebook         @shackletonexperienceathy

LinkedIn          @Shackleton Experience Athy